CARSON CITY – Gov. Brian Sandoval today announced Gerald Gardner has been named chief of staff effective September 5. Gardner takes over for Heidi Gansert who has served as the governor’s chief of staff for the past twenty months and who announced her resignation yesterday.

Gov. Brian Sandoval.

“I have known Gerald since he served as my Las Vegas regional chief when I was attorney general,” Sandoval said. “His experience in Southern Nevada combined with his keen intellect and insight will be invaluable as we move into the 2013 Nevada Legislative session. I am pleased that Gerald has agreed to join my administration and serve in this capacity. I look forward to working together again.”

Gardner, 47, currently serves as the assistant district attorney of Carson City, advising the district attorney in all policy, administrative, and operational matters. He also serves as chief trial attorney and chief of the criminal prosecution division.

Gardner received his law degree from Cornell University in 1991 and his bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College in 1987. After graduating from law school, he joined the Clark County District Attorney’s Office in Las Vegas where he served for nine years in the criminal, appellate, and civil divisions.

In 2002, Gardner was named the chief of the criminal justice division for the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, focusing on public corruption and fraud cases. In 2004, he was appointed by then-Attorney General Brian Sandoval to serve as his Las Vegas regional chief. He also served on the Attorney General’s Legislative Committee.

“I am extremely honored to have been chosen by Governor Sandoval to serve as his chief of staff,” Gardner said. “It will be my privilege to serve the governor and the people of Nevada in achieving the important objectives of this administration – promoting Nevada’s economy and improving education for our state’s children.”

Gardner lives in Carson City with his wife, Stephanie, and their three children, Bennett, James, and Julia.

Gansert stepped down after discussions with her family.

“As most everyone who is involved in state government knows, the chief of staff position requires an extraordinary commitment and I have given it my all since helping lead the transition and from our first day in office,” she said in a statement. “In addition, preparation has begun on the governor’s biennial budget and legislative agenda, so now is the right time for a new chief to step in and guide the planning process for the 2013 Nevada Legislature.”

Gerald Gardner is a direct conduit to Neil Rombardo, the Carson City DA. Wonder if the false charges against the process server for assault on Susan Martinovich are related??? see nevadastatepersonnelwatch.wordpress.com